Concentrate on the Morning – Snake River Fishing Report

Snake River Fishing Report – (8.11.26)

 

 

With July’s hot weather and low natural streamflow leading to warm water temperatures, Wyoming Game and Fish Department has issued a voluntary warm-water catch-and-release closure from noon to sunrise on (1) the Snake River from the Yellowstone Park boundary to Palisades, and (2) Flat Creek.

For catch and release anglers, Game and Fish asks that fishing be focused between sunrise and noon when water temperatures are cooler. In addition to getting out early, consider carrying a pocket thermometer to check water temperatures. Game and Fish recommends adjusting catch-and-release fishing practices above 65°F.

Across the watershed, the Buffalo Fork, Fish Creek, and Hoback remain the coolest sites with real-time temperature data. Water temperatures in these reaches remain in the upper 50s and low 60s through the morning and into the early afternoon.

Monsoonal rainstorms continue to cause quick spikes in turbidity on tributaries across the Headwaters and slow the decline of natural streamflow.

Both Jackson Lake and Palisades continue to draft. With outflow remaining near 5,000 cfs, Jackson Lake is currently 59% full, compared to 76% on average. The Colter Bay boat ramp closed on July 21st, and the water level will likely drop below the elevation of the ramp within the next week.

Palisades is currently 25% full, compared to 73% on average. Outflow was dropped from just over the 13,000 to 11,500 cfs over the past week.

– Dr. Sarah Newcomb, TU’s Snake River Headwaters Watershed Scientist

For more information on the voluntary closure from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, please click HERE.

 

Flow are sitting steady at 5,000 cfs. It is likely to stay at this flow out of Jackson Lake Dam for majority of summer – but depends on actual inflows, precip, temps, irrigation demand, etc. Due to recent rain, the Snake River has been a bit off color. Clarity has been day to day, so you are just going to have to watch water gauges and plan accordingly. Water tempatures are regularly hitting 68 degrees and above at Moose, WY. Please carry a thermometer and use it through the day. If you see the 67/68 degree mark, it’s probably time to stop fishing. Concentrate on early morning periods when tempatures are at their coolest. We’ve had some cooler nights that are helping the overall water temperature situation.

As the Snake River stabilizes, it should fall into more consistent summer shape but with the higher than average flows. Look for Dry dropper rigs, nymph rigs and streamers during low light periods to be the most productive for the summer season. Chubby Chernobyl styled dry dropper patterns or classic indicator nymph rigs paired with Rubberlegs, Duracells, Perdigons and other liked nymphs have been effective. With the higher flows this year, anglers should be ready for a bit of everything. Floats are going to be fast and the currents are going to be pushy, so be safe out there.